Although there are many productions of "A Christmas Carol" you will find the best to be Alistair Sims version of Scrooge to be the best portrayal. KCLS has 2 copies and only 5 holds on them as of today. You could have this before Christmas with no problem.

Over the years I have seen some wonderful productions of this classic Charles Dickens tale (including the delightful 1962 animated version that features the Mr. Magoo character), but Alastair Sim's performance as Scrooge makes this one the definitive.

In the first part of the story Sim radiates a sneering self-satisfaction that makes his Ebeneezer Scrooge especially despicable. But his heartlessness makes his redemption all the more emotionally satisfying as he seeks to convince his nephew Fred and long-suffering employee Bob Cratchit of his new goodwill and sincerity.

The moment in this movie that always get me is the Christmas morning encounter between Scrooge and his Cockney housekeeper, played by Kathleen Harrison. Mr. Scrooge has just emerged from his long night of reckoning with the spirits, and is now filled with hope and excitement. The first flesh and blood person Scrooge encounters--he is still in his dressing gown, his hair wild and disheveled--is the hapless Mrs. Dilber. He is so giddy with happiness and new-found charity he terrifies her--this is NOT the Mr. Scrooge she is accustomed to dealing with. He tries to hug her and she recoils, fearing the master has gone mad. She struggles to get away.

That pained expression on Sim's face. It is almost unbearable to watch as Mrs. Dilber's fear registers and Scooge realizes what her frightened disbelief says, not about her but about him--the man he has been and the shabby way he has always treated her.
He gently assures her he is quite sane and presses into her hands more money than he has ever given her, more probably than she has ever seen in her life.

Mrs. Dilber stares at Scrooge, trying to understand. As it dawns on her that he is in earnest her face becomes radiant; now she is the giddy one; she is almost beside herself with joy.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge," she cries, adding as she rushes down the stairs "--in keeping with the situation!!"

I usually watch this right after midnight Christmas eve. Was required watching as a child but deep down I have never HAD to watch it. My favourite version of the story.......

Joe_Brusky
Apr 30, 2013

This is about the 2012 remastered video... WOW! It's as though years of wear and tear were removed even compared to the restored 2007 release! On a quick review, the cropping in older editions is tighter meaning a lot of the original image was not being shown in other version, plus this one runs 7 minutes longer. As to the actual film, it is as everyone here has said - a CLASSIC - and probably one of the best versions ever made. I find something endering in each one so that's the joy of this Dicken's syory showing through.

I'm on the same page as the other Ebenezer connoisseurs (of good taste). Sims is THE definitive Scrooge. I feel sorry for those perhaps unappreciative of, uninterested in, or unfamiliar with this cherished classic version. (The '35 is an additional vintage nugget.) My second choice would be... George C. Scott. Patrick Stewart, third. Finally, Jim Backus/aka Mr. Magoo. (Sorry Jim Carrey. Haven't seen it; don't intend to...) And I also feel that b&w is the only true choice, also. Hands down. The shadowy, spooky atmosphere isn't as effective with color. Colorized/shmullerized. Ick. FIVE STARS.

Quotes

First Collector: "At this festive time of year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute." Ebenezer: "Are there no prisons?" First Collector: "Plenty of prisons." Ebenezer: "And the union workhouses -- are they still in operation?" First Collector: "They are. I wish I could say they were not." Ebenezer: "Oh, from what you said at first I was afraid that something had happened to stop them in their useful course. I'm very glad to hear it." (cont'd)

First Collector: "I don't think you quite understand us, sir. A few of us are endeavoring to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth." Ebenezer: "Why?" First Collector: "Because it is at Christmastime that want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices. Now what can I put you down for?" Ebenezer: "Humph! Nothing!" Second Collector: "You wish to be anonymous?" Ebenezer: "I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish sir, that is my answer. I help to support the establishments I have named; those who are badly off must go there." First Collector: "Many can't go there." Second Collector: "And some would rather die."

Jacob Marley: "It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow men! If it goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death! It is doomed to wander through the world! Oh, woe is me! And witness what it cannot share but MIGHT HAVE SHARED on Earth and turned to happiness!"

Spirit of Christmas Present: "My time with you is at an end, Ebenezer Scrooge. Will you profit from what I've shown you of the good in most men's hearts?" Ebenezer: "I don't know, how can I promise?!?" Spirit of Christmas Present: "If it's too hard a lesson for you to learn, then learn this lesson!" (opens his robe, revealing two starving children) Ebenezer: "Spirit... are these yours?" Spirit of Christmas Present: "They are Man's. This boy is Ignorance, this girl is Want. Beware them both, but most of all, beware this boy!" Ebenezer: "But have they no refuge? No resource?" Spirit of Christmas Present (quoting Scrooge): "Are there no prisons?!? Are there no workhouses?!?"